Teata was born in Aitutaki, a small island some 114 miles due north of Rarotonga. He first revealed musical talent when the American soldiers, visiting Aitutaki during the war, brought recordings of Western songs with them, which Teata learned. He sang these at local dances and was in much demand. Later Teata went to New Zealand, on a government scholarship and returned in 1960 to become a School teacher.